STERLING K. BROWN made history after winning best actor in a drama at the Emmy Awards, but his emotive speech was cut off mid-way through.

It has been 19 years since a black man took the golden statuette at the awards, but Sterling broke the streak after winning the gong for his performance as Randall in This Is Us.

Andre Braugher last won the award in 1998 for his portrayal of Frank Pembleton in Homicide: Life on the Streets.

Taking to the stage, the 41-year-old started: "Before anything like this happened to your boy, I was a fan. First, last, and always a fan. So, my fellow nominees, I'm a fan. I love y'all."

Pointing at his trophy: "This one right here, when I think about it, like - Walter White held this joint? Dick Whitman held this joint?

"I may have lost some of y'all, but you know. Google it. And 19 years ago, Detective Frank Pembleton won this joint. I just want to say, Mr Braugher, whether it's at Stanford University or on this Emmys stage, it is my supreme honour to follow in your footsteps."